Philippine vessels have the right to operate within their exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela asserted on Sunday, in response to China’s diplomatic protest over the monthslong presence of the PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua in Escoda (Sabina) Shoal. The BRP Teresa Magbanua has been posted in Escoda Shoal since April 16 amid the continued presence of Chinese militia and suspected reclamation activities. China claims the shoal, which it calls Xianbin Jiao, although it is only 139 kilometers (75 nautical miles) from the coast of Palawan.

Mangosing, F., & Santos, T. (2024, August 19). PCG on China's protest: Escoda Shoal within EEZ. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A2, A4.